FAQ
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can begin to cause trouble really at even an early age such as 16 or 17. Sometimes when they start or begin to erupt or show out of the gums they can begin to collect food or be an area where inflammation can set up.
Sometimes impacted wisdom teeth will give a symptom that is a generalized soreness on the bottom jaw more often than the top. Sometimes the angulation or the angle of the tooth as it has developed is more of a horizontal angle and doesn’t erupt normally like the other teeth. Sometimes because there’s just not enough space for a wisdom tooth.
But the symptoms in general are an aching down low or just a hard to pinpoint pain that is in the back. Sometimes it can radiate to the top if it were actually the lower as the source of pain.
Impacted wisdom teeth may not give you trouble for many, many years but there may come a time where inflammation happens or food particles or some injury happens at the very back around a wisdom tooth that is partially covered.
Another situation that can be related to impacted wisdom teeth, especially on the bottom, is if they’re close to the next tooth in front of it. It sets up an environment that neither the patient nor the dentist can keep clean. And just the proximity or the closeness of the wisdom tooth to he back of he next molar, which is e second molar, can set up n area f decay on he second molar
.The wisdom teeth don’t actually really put a lot pressure against he second molar. Oftentimes there’s just not enough length of jaw for the wisdom teeth to have enough space to erupt.
Another source of pain with wisdom teeth that is related to not having enough space is when a patient bites down on the tissue, the gums and the cheek tissue, that may be over he wisdom tooth. And because of the lack of space, that tissue gets damaged and can be a source of pain.
How often should I brush my teeth?
Dentists recommend that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Ideally, this should be in the morning and before you go to bed at night. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. It is also recommended to use fluoride toothpaste and to brush for at least two minutes to ensure a thorough clean. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Are there any specific habits that can help in preventing oral diseases?
Yes, there are several habits that can significantly contribute to the prevention of oral diseases. Here are some of the key habits:
- Brushing Teeth: Brush your teeth with good technique at least twice a day, and if you can only do it once, choose to brush right before you go to sleep.
- Avoid Sweet and Acidic Drinks Overnight: After brushing at night, avoid sipping on sweet or acidic drinks as they can contribute to tooth decay.
- Moderate Sugar Intake: Limit the consumption of sugary foods and snacks with simple carbohydrates to prevent the growth and multiplication of harmful bacteria in your mouth, which metabolize sugars into tooth-dissolving acids.
- Manage Diabetes: Control your sugar intake to prevent or manage diabetes, which can lead to unhealthy gums and affect the small blood vessels in your body, including those in your mouth.
- Flossing: Floss daily using proper technique to clean the surfaces between your teeth and gently between the tooth and gum line to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
- Eat Healthy Foods: A diet rich in healthy foods contributes to good oral health and overall well-being.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?
Whether electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones depends on the individual’s ability to use them effectively. Electric toothbrushes can be especially beneficial for those who have lost some dexterity in their hands. The key to effective tooth brushing is the amount of time spent brushing each tooth and each area of the mouth.
With manual toothbrushes, it’s important to use very short strokes and to brush gently but thoroughly on the cheek side, the tongue side, and the chewing surfaces of all teeth. When using a powered toothbrush, you should spend a little more time on each tooth and let the bristles work at slightly different angles, imitating a circular motion, while the powered brush does most of the work.
In conclusion, an electric toothbrush can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, but it’s essential to use it correctly to get the best results.